Ontario reacts to COVID-19 stay-at-home order: Doctors, residents torn between Ford's 'smart', but also 'totally irresponsible' moves

After the Ontario government formally announced the implementation of a stay-at-home order, set to begin at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, April 8, people across the province took to social media to react to the news.

Watching Ontario's rollout and public health measures this past year, I'm really noticing the importance of clear communication and transparency. The messaging even to this day is super unclear, vague and open to interpretation #stayathomeorder

— Nazanin Homayounfar (@HNazanin) April 7, 2021

One comment that got the attention from Ontarians is related to premier Doug Ford mentioning negativity during the COVID-19 pandemic at the end of Wednesday's press conference.

"All we hear is negative, negative negative," Ford said.

"Why don't we take a break in negativity for three or four weeks and let's start being positive. We're Team Ontario, we will get through this and we're going to come out stronger than anyone every ,and then we'll kick start the economy and we'll leave everyone in the dust."

I don't blame Doug Ford @fordnation for being upset over all the negativity being hurled his way.
If you want to see positivity Doug, head on over to all our ICU's and Toronto area hotspots and marvel at all the positive COVID cases in Ontario.#onpoli

— Jack (@d1s4b1l1ty) April 7, 2021

Ah yes, Ford encouraging people to stop being negative and that we’re “team ontario” while providing nothing to actually support people

— emily kate 🏳️‍🌈 (@emilykatereads) April 7, 2021

How can you hold the people of Ontario in a negative view when majority of them are doing what the Ford government is allowing? The sheer incompetence of the last 4 months is bringing both COVID skeptics and COVID careful people together over the lack of leadership and direction

— John Wheeler (@John_Wheeler13) April 7, 2021

Many also pushed back on Ford's assertion that instead of people "playing politics" and asking for a provincial paid sick leave program, they should be directing Ontarians to the federal government's Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB).

Ontario government:

It’s “totally irresponsible" to advocate for provincial #PaidSickDays when the Federal Recovery Sickness Benefit exists!

Reality: pic.twitter.com/phj5eLWpz6

— Amit Arya (@AmitAryaMD) April 7, 2021

Doug Ford re #PaidSickDays: people are playing politics with this. There is paid sick leave from the federal govt. Help people find how they can sign up for this.

Can someone tell @fordnation, the federal program is only for those with confirmed Covid? #onpoli #stayathomeorder

— Ishat Reza ⚖️ (@IshatReza) April 7, 2021

This is about basic human decency, which should span BEYOND the pandemic, being common sense to give people paid sick leave during NORMAL TIMES.

— Shelby (@Lefty_Mind) April 7, 2021

It’s totally irresponsible for Premier Doug Ford to spread misinformation in these times of crisis. The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit ≠ paid sick days. https://t.co/id0Xo8bmkb

— Joshua Mandryk (@JMandryk) April 7, 2021

On a more positive note, many medical professionals support the move from the provincial government to expand COVID-19 vaccine administration to the hardest hit areas of the province.

I am very pleased with the pivot by @fordnation and @ongov to target Ontario’s vaccine rollout and other public health measures to protect those most affected by #COVID.

I look forward to learning the details on how plan will be executed without delay.

— Michael Warner (@drmwarner) April 7, 2021

ANYBODY in Ontario who lives in a high burden neighbourhood who is 18 years and older will be eligible for #COVID19 vaccination.

This will help essential workers, families, communities, etc.

A very smart move.

— Isaac Bogoch (@BogochIsaac) April 7, 2021

That 50+ age minimum crumbled like a cookie and i for one am very happy with this. This will not only help vaccinate essential workers, but also the close contacts. Baked in ring vaccination for the medical historians out there. https://t.co/JTJ2CbvhCy pic.twitter.com/4Ihi3tuJGr

— Sumon Chakrabarti (@TorontoIDDoc) April 7, 2021